Most hotels in the central region prefer not to reopen for business despite being allowed to resume business during the conditional movement control order (MCO).

Sarawak Central Region Hotel Association chairman Johnny Wong said this was because of poor business and the fear of staff contracting the Covid-19 virus.

“Hotels here depend on outsiders for their business. With travel restrictions in place, many will not come out and business will be slow, affecting income,” he said.

“There is no point in re-opening to accommodate a few guests,” he said. Hotels ceased operations during the first phase of the MCO, starting from March 18.

Wong said only two-star hotels here reopened for business a few days ago with smaller hotels remaining closed.